TheCheshireCat
Starter
Here are some cool links I found about our secondary and how good they are, how they stack up in conference, and the difference-makers.
http://www.hothuskers.com/huskerhype/secondary/
How to Produce a Scary Secondary
Published on June 15, 2010 by Brandon Cavanaugh · 2 Comments
By 1Husker
Filled to the brim with talent that makes Nebraska one of the most feared secondaries, if not entire defenses in the conference and the country, Husker Hype’s former Cornhusker breaks down the major components of the Big Red’s secondary.
Left CornerBack – Prince Amukamara (6’1” 205 pounds) – An absolute stud. He could/should be playing on Sundays now/today. Prince garnered a ton of national attention but was overshadowed due to Suh’s Heisman run. Then again, who wasn’t, aside from the actual winner and Tim Tebow? Funny how some say Prince is our 3rd best CB, but to each their own. He emerged as one of the Big 12’s best cornerbacks in his first season as a starter in 2009.
Prince earned first-team All-Big 12 honors from nearly every magazine after helping Nebraska become one of the nation’s most dominant defenses in 2009. He brings fear to the position. A former high school running back, the 6’1”, 205-pounder has great athletic ability while developing outstanding ball hawking hands and the ability to read WR sets.
Prince led the team in pass breakups and was second in interceptions, helping the re-energized Blackshirt defense lead the nation in pass efficiency defense and scoring defense. Nebraska held 10 of 14 opponents to 50 percent or less in passing percentage and allowed just seven passing touchdowns. Nebraska finished with 20 interceptions, ranking seventh in the nation
DeJon Gomes (6’1” 200 pounds) – We’ve talked about him at length, but he’s an absolute stud and I cannot wait to see what he does this season.
Lance Thorell (6’1” 200 pounds) – A staple in the dime package, he was a vital cog playing both cornerback and safety. Not to mention his smarts! Thorell made Academic Honor Roll from 2007-2009 and the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team.
Anthony Blue (5’11” 185 pounds) – Blue returned to action in 2009 after sitting out a year because of a knee injury. He returned to near full strength, but grasping the mental elements seemed to stall or intimidate him. He is an eventual amazing athlete, no doubt. Last fall he provided depth at cornerback but made stellar impacts on special team play.
The 5’10”, 185-pound Blue possesses good speed and coverage skills. This fall he will look to push for playing time in a deep and talented group of cornerbacks. I see him playing with West, Gomes and Hagg. Do you really want to be a quarterback tossing the ball against that or giving off to an inside draw? Our second-teamers love to hit and we do have linebackers to toss in on 3rd and 5 midfield.
Strong Safety – P.J. Smith (6’2” 215 pounds) – If Marvin is smart, P.J. will operate up at strong safety and lay lickings on whoever gets beyond 8 yards that Hagg somehow misses. It will happen, but someone is going to be looking for their mouthpiece, thanks to Smith.
Eric Hagg (6’2” 215 pounds) – This boy will almost absolutely be on the field for 30 minutes. Mr. Flex has the smarts to play nickel back easily. Think of a linebacker at safety but otherwise a true nickel back and dime rover with West deep. I would love to yell at these guys and have them strap up. West, Hagg, Tickey Rickey and Dennard…wow. Plus P.J. on lockdown? Double wow.
Dijon “Mustard” Washington (6’0” 185 pounds) – Forget about the Bennies and put on the pants, Mr. Washington. It’s time for you to show up. Have you seen the weight room and picked something up? Dijon has the talent to produce. Now we need to see it happen.
Free Safety – Eric Hagg (6’2” 215 pounds) – He’s on the field and I suspect he’s roaming here while making this area of the field home.
Rickey Thenarse (6’0” 210 pounds) – Rickey, it’s time. We’ve all been waiting and the feel good story is great. We know you can hit. Put it together and grab that 85k practice squad shot. You’re electric and the fans love it, so it’s time to bring it. Rickey, please bring the wood this year. Everyone is waiting and anticipating what you can do.
Austin Cassidy (6’1” 205 pounds) – O’Hanlon Part II. Shows up, makes plays. Nuff said.
Courtney Osborne (6’3” 200 pounds) – A physical specimen. Delts, lats and shoulders – oh, and wide squats. One more year under Dobson and this kid will be a killer. Man, I hope to the heavens we keep recruiting athletes and cornerbacks like this guy.
Right Cornerback – Alfonzo Dennard (5’ 11” 195 pounds) – A young buck, but will no doubt be a Mel Kiper day one pick. I’d love to see him stick solid hits and crack backs. Time will tell, but he has the tools and the supporting cast to decimate and destroy.
Anthony West (6’1” 200 pounds) – West has the ability to play all over, but I like him as a safety next to Hagg. Our corners are solid with Dennard and Prince. It’s fun, gun and run with Gomes and West playing within the 10-yard bubble. Additionally, they love to have snot fly out of anyone crossing midfield. If I’m Marvin, Mr. West is all over the field and playing 6-15 yards deep taking away anything a TE may stretch. Otherwise, shoot him in between the Guard off a stunt rush and see how fast the QB can read. West is going to be one heck of a player this fall.
Andrew Green (6’0” 195 pounds) – Another physical specimen at cornerback, he brings high accolades and expectations. He’ll gladly hit you in the jaw. He’s a very physical player coming from Texas and you don’t mess with Texas boys…at least the ones that play with a cream shell on their heads.
Here's the Big 12 secondary:
http://www.hothuskers.com/huskerhype/ranking-big-12-secondaries/
Nebraska certainly boasts a secondary that is both talented and deep, but just where to do they fall amongst the entire conference and what team emerges number one when it comes to cornerbacks and safeties?
12. Baylor - Senior Tim Atchinson has moved from cornerback to free safety to replace All-Big 12 Jordan Lake who graduated. Joining him will be Byron Landor or freshman Prince Kent at strong safety and a rotation of Clifton Odom, Chance Casey, and Antereis Bryan at cornerback. This unit finished in the middle of the Big 12 a year ago, but returns only two players from the secondary. Head Coach Art Briles said, “We want to be a more opportunistic defense– play aggressive, fast, and fearless.”
11. Iowa State – The secondary is pretty well set in stone with a recharged Leonard Johnson entering his third year as a starter and seniors David Sims, last year’s Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, and Mike O’Connell at the safety spots. Junior Ter’ran Benton will fit somewhere either at cornerback or as a fifth defensive back in throwing situations. David Sims returns his team-leading 5 interceptions and 88 tackles.
10. Kansas - The Jayhawks have recruited well in the secondary over the past three years, and has eight cornerbacks competing for two jobs. Senior Chris Harris is the lone veteran after having three years of starting experience. It is up to new Head Coach Turner Gill to decide the rest of the secondary that is wide open for spring ball. He will also need to address the seven game losing streak that the team finished on last year.
9. Oklahoma State - The defense only returns three players all together one being in the secondary. They have many holes to fill, but safety Markelle Martin has superstar ability with his coverage skills and the size he brings to the table. Defensive coordinator Bill Young has already turned this defense around in 2009, but has an even bigger task ahead of him with the lack of experience returning.
8. Texas A&M - Junior safety Trent Hunter returns as the leader in the secondary that should be dramatically improved from last year. The Aggies finished last in passing defense in the Big 12 in 2009. Both Terrance Frederick and Dustin Harris are solid coverage corners and Lionel Smith has thrown himself into the starting role after a great spring. Hunter tallied 95 tackles last season that led the whole team.
7. Missouri - Three secondary starters are back, but this unit only produced eight interceptions last year. They were second to last in the Big 12 in passing defense last year. Gary Pinkel knows if they want a chance at the Big 12 North then the turnovers need to increase. Last season’s 104th passing defense has to be more productive…or else.
6. Kansas State - Thanks to the terrific lockdown play of safeties Tysyn Hartman and Emmanuel Lamur, K-State produced one of the most improved defenses in the Big 12 last season. Both are back and improved but the Wildcats will miss cornerback Joshua Moore and will have to mesh with a new supporting cast. Hartman returns with his five interceptions he had a year ago. He looks for All-Big 12 honors in 2010.
5. Texas Tech - First year head coach Tommy Tuberville is moving to a 3-4 scheme after losing their top six defensive lineman. They have three starters returning with LaRon Moore looking to lead this unit. Both safeties return, but one of the cornerback spots needs to be filled and sophomore Will Ford looks to be that person. Tuberville is a defensive coach and will easily improve this team that finished 73rd in passing defense last year.
4. Colorado - The Buffaloes return three starters from a team that finished 34th in the nation in pass defense from a year ago. Cornerback Jalil Brown looks to be the top prospect for this unit. The starting talent isn’t the issue for Colorado, but depth is a heavy concern. If one of the starters go down, some inexperienced freshman will have to step up into the role. Safety Anthony Perkins led the team with 78 tackles in 2009.
3. Oklahoma - The Sooners will have to fill in both corner spots, but the safety position is more than set. Sam Proctor and Quinton Carter will return to the secondary after a great 2009 campaign. Cornerback Jonathan Nelson didn’t see a starting role but still managed to grab a team-leading three interceptions. Look for Bob Stoops to reload once again after another strong recruiting class.
2. Texas - The Longhorns will have to replace safety Earl Thomas who had a team-leading eight interceptions last season. They do return three solid corners in Aaron Williams, Curtis Brown, and Chykie Brown. Safety Blake Gideon returns his team best six interceptions. They finished 2nd last year in the Big 12 behind Nebraska and it should be a great race once again in 2010.
1. Nebraska – The Huskers led the nation in scoring defense and had the best passing defense in the Big 12 last season. They will have to replace two safeties that graduated, but P.J. Smith and Dejon Gomes have plenty of experience. This team might have the best cornerback tandem in the entire country in Prince Amukamara and Alfonzo Dennard. Eric Hagg will be in the featured nickel back position while Rickey Thenarse returns off an injured 2009 season.
http://www.hothuskers.com/huskerhype/secondary/
How to Produce a Scary Secondary
Published on June 15, 2010 by Brandon Cavanaugh · 2 Comments
By 1Husker
Filled to the brim with talent that makes Nebraska one of the most feared secondaries, if not entire defenses in the conference and the country, Husker Hype’s former Cornhusker breaks down the major components of the Big Red’s secondary.
Left CornerBack – Prince Amukamara (6’1” 205 pounds) – An absolute stud. He could/should be playing on Sundays now/today. Prince garnered a ton of national attention but was overshadowed due to Suh’s Heisman run. Then again, who wasn’t, aside from the actual winner and Tim Tebow? Funny how some say Prince is our 3rd best CB, but to each their own. He emerged as one of the Big 12’s best cornerbacks in his first season as a starter in 2009.
Prince earned first-team All-Big 12 honors from nearly every magazine after helping Nebraska become one of the nation’s most dominant defenses in 2009. He brings fear to the position. A former high school running back, the 6’1”, 205-pounder has great athletic ability while developing outstanding ball hawking hands and the ability to read WR sets.
Prince led the team in pass breakups and was second in interceptions, helping the re-energized Blackshirt defense lead the nation in pass efficiency defense and scoring defense. Nebraska held 10 of 14 opponents to 50 percent or less in passing percentage and allowed just seven passing touchdowns. Nebraska finished with 20 interceptions, ranking seventh in the nation
DeJon Gomes (6’1” 200 pounds) – We’ve talked about him at length, but he’s an absolute stud and I cannot wait to see what he does this season.
Lance Thorell (6’1” 200 pounds) – A staple in the dime package, he was a vital cog playing both cornerback and safety. Not to mention his smarts! Thorell made Academic Honor Roll from 2007-2009 and the Brook Berringer Citizenship Team.
Anthony Blue (5’11” 185 pounds) – Blue returned to action in 2009 after sitting out a year because of a knee injury. He returned to near full strength, but grasping the mental elements seemed to stall or intimidate him. He is an eventual amazing athlete, no doubt. Last fall he provided depth at cornerback but made stellar impacts on special team play.
The 5’10”, 185-pound Blue possesses good speed and coverage skills. This fall he will look to push for playing time in a deep and talented group of cornerbacks. I see him playing with West, Gomes and Hagg. Do you really want to be a quarterback tossing the ball against that or giving off to an inside draw? Our second-teamers love to hit and we do have linebackers to toss in on 3rd and 5 midfield.
Strong Safety – P.J. Smith (6’2” 215 pounds) – If Marvin is smart, P.J. will operate up at strong safety and lay lickings on whoever gets beyond 8 yards that Hagg somehow misses. It will happen, but someone is going to be looking for their mouthpiece, thanks to Smith.
Eric Hagg (6’2” 215 pounds) – This boy will almost absolutely be on the field for 30 minutes. Mr. Flex has the smarts to play nickel back easily. Think of a linebacker at safety but otherwise a true nickel back and dime rover with West deep. I would love to yell at these guys and have them strap up. West, Hagg, Tickey Rickey and Dennard…wow. Plus P.J. on lockdown? Double wow.
Dijon “Mustard” Washington (6’0” 185 pounds) – Forget about the Bennies and put on the pants, Mr. Washington. It’s time for you to show up. Have you seen the weight room and picked something up? Dijon has the talent to produce. Now we need to see it happen.
Free Safety – Eric Hagg (6’2” 215 pounds) – He’s on the field and I suspect he’s roaming here while making this area of the field home.
Rickey Thenarse (6’0” 210 pounds) – Rickey, it’s time. We’ve all been waiting and the feel good story is great. We know you can hit. Put it together and grab that 85k practice squad shot. You’re electric and the fans love it, so it’s time to bring it. Rickey, please bring the wood this year. Everyone is waiting and anticipating what you can do.
Austin Cassidy (6’1” 205 pounds) – O’Hanlon Part II. Shows up, makes plays. Nuff said.
Courtney Osborne (6’3” 200 pounds) – A physical specimen. Delts, lats and shoulders – oh, and wide squats. One more year under Dobson and this kid will be a killer. Man, I hope to the heavens we keep recruiting athletes and cornerbacks like this guy.
Right Cornerback – Alfonzo Dennard (5’ 11” 195 pounds) – A young buck, but will no doubt be a Mel Kiper day one pick. I’d love to see him stick solid hits and crack backs. Time will tell, but he has the tools and the supporting cast to decimate and destroy.
Anthony West (6’1” 200 pounds) – West has the ability to play all over, but I like him as a safety next to Hagg. Our corners are solid with Dennard and Prince. It’s fun, gun and run with Gomes and West playing within the 10-yard bubble. Additionally, they love to have snot fly out of anyone crossing midfield. If I’m Marvin, Mr. West is all over the field and playing 6-15 yards deep taking away anything a TE may stretch. Otherwise, shoot him in between the Guard off a stunt rush and see how fast the QB can read. West is going to be one heck of a player this fall.
Andrew Green (6’0” 195 pounds) – Another physical specimen at cornerback, he brings high accolades and expectations. He’ll gladly hit you in the jaw. He’s a very physical player coming from Texas and you don’t mess with Texas boys…at least the ones that play with a cream shell on their heads.
Here's the Big 12 secondary:
http://www.hothuskers.com/huskerhype/ranking-big-12-secondaries/
Nebraska certainly boasts a secondary that is both talented and deep, but just where to do they fall amongst the entire conference and what team emerges number one when it comes to cornerbacks and safeties?
12. Baylor - Senior Tim Atchinson has moved from cornerback to free safety to replace All-Big 12 Jordan Lake who graduated. Joining him will be Byron Landor or freshman Prince Kent at strong safety and a rotation of Clifton Odom, Chance Casey, and Antereis Bryan at cornerback. This unit finished in the middle of the Big 12 a year ago, but returns only two players from the secondary. Head Coach Art Briles said, “We want to be a more opportunistic defense– play aggressive, fast, and fearless.”
11. Iowa State – The secondary is pretty well set in stone with a recharged Leonard Johnson entering his third year as a starter and seniors David Sims, last year’s Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, and Mike O’Connell at the safety spots. Junior Ter’ran Benton will fit somewhere either at cornerback or as a fifth defensive back in throwing situations. David Sims returns his team-leading 5 interceptions and 88 tackles.
10. Kansas - The Jayhawks have recruited well in the secondary over the past three years, and has eight cornerbacks competing for two jobs. Senior Chris Harris is the lone veteran after having three years of starting experience. It is up to new Head Coach Turner Gill to decide the rest of the secondary that is wide open for spring ball. He will also need to address the seven game losing streak that the team finished on last year.
9. Oklahoma State - The defense only returns three players all together one being in the secondary. They have many holes to fill, but safety Markelle Martin has superstar ability with his coverage skills and the size he brings to the table. Defensive coordinator Bill Young has already turned this defense around in 2009, but has an even bigger task ahead of him with the lack of experience returning.
8. Texas A&M - Junior safety Trent Hunter returns as the leader in the secondary that should be dramatically improved from last year. The Aggies finished last in passing defense in the Big 12 in 2009. Both Terrance Frederick and Dustin Harris are solid coverage corners and Lionel Smith has thrown himself into the starting role after a great spring. Hunter tallied 95 tackles last season that led the whole team.
7. Missouri - Three secondary starters are back, but this unit only produced eight interceptions last year. They were second to last in the Big 12 in passing defense last year. Gary Pinkel knows if they want a chance at the Big 12 North then the turnovers need to increase. Last season’s 104th passing defense has to be more productive…or else.
6. Kansas State - Thanks to the terrific lockdown play of safeties Tysyn Hartman and Emmanuel Lamur, K-State produced one of the most improved defenses in the Big 12 last season. Both are back and improved but the Wildcats will miss cornerback Joshua Moore and will have to mesh with a new supporting cast. Hartman returns with his five interceptions he had a year ago. He looks for All-Big 12 honors in 2010.
5. Texas Tech - First year head coach Tommy Tuberville is moving to a 3-4 scheme after losing their top six defensive lineman. They have three starters returning with LaRon Moore looking to lead this unit. Both safeties return, but one of the cornerback spots needs to be filled and sophomore Will Ford looks to be that person. Tuberville is a defensive coach and will easily improve this team that finished 73rd in passing defense last year.
4. Colorado - The Buffaloes return three starters from a team that finished 34th in the nation in pass defense from a year ago. Cornerback Jalil Brown looks to be the top prospect for this unit. The starting talent isn’t the issue for Colorado, but depth is a heavy concern. If one of the starters go down, some inexperienced freshman will have to step up into the role. Safety Anthony Perkins led the team with 78 tackles in 2009.
3. Oklahoma - The Sooners will have to fill in both corner spots, but the safety position is more than set. Sam Proctor and Quinton Carter will return to the secondary after a great 2009 campaign. Cornerback Jonathan Nelson didn’t see a starting role but still managed to grab a team-leading three interceptions. Look for Bob Stoops to reload once again after another strong recruiting class.
2. Texas - The Longhorns will have to replace safety Earl Thomas who had a team-leading eight interceptions last season. They do return three solid corners in Aaron Williams, Curtis Brown, and Chykie Brown. Safety Blake Gideon returns his team best six interceptions. They finished 2nd last year in the Big 12 behind Nebraska and it should be a great race once again in 2010.
1. Nebraska – The Huskers led the nation in scoring defense and had the best passing defense in the Big 12 last season. They will have to replace two safeties that graduated, but P.J. Smith and Dejon Gomes have plenty of experience. This team might have the best cornerback tandem in the entire country in Prince Amukamara and Alfonzo Dennard. Eric Hagg will be in the featured nickel back position while Rickey Thenarse returns off an injured 2009 season.
